Theoretical foundations of social computing and virtual communities

Charalambos Vrasidas, George Veletsianos

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    Using a symbolic interactionist framework, interaction is defined as the reciprocal actions of two or more actors within a given context (Vrasidas and Glass, 2002). Interaction is an ongoing process that resides in a context and also creates context. Context is crucial in examining human activity in a sociotechnological environment. Context is provided by the history of the situation, past interaction sequences, and the anticipation of future interaction sequences. There is a reflexive relationship between context and interaction that prevents us from isolating the two. To examine human activity, it is important to carefully study the context and the moment-to-moment events that lead to further interaction among people. Human beings are active, meaning-making living organisms. Social interaction is an ongoing process that shapes human conduct as actors fit their actions with one another and form a continuous flow of interaction. Participants have intentions that influence interaction.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSocial Computing and Virtual Communities
    PublisherCRC Press
    Pages1-20
    Number of pages20
    ISBN (Electronic)9781420090437
    ISBN (Print)9781420090420
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2009

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